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February in Estes Park is an exciting opportunity to see the town and its natural beauty in the midst of winter’s final stretch and the promise of spring. In this guide about visiting Estes Park, Colorado in February, we’ll help you make the most of your winter adventure as we move closer to spring. So grab a pen as you plan your trip to Estes Park during our quietest month of the year!
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Don’t want to read? Watch our YouTube video for our detailed guide on Visiting Estes Park in February:
CROWDS / POPULARITY IN FEBRUARY
With the unpredictable weather and winter closures, February is the least crowded month in Estes Park. It’s the off-season, or shoulder season, meaning you can revel in a quieter town compared to the bustling summer months. Although weekends and holidays may see a rise in visitors, particularly on pleasant days, Estes Park only sees about 110,000 visitors in February.
Related: The Best Time of Year to Visit Estes Park, Colorado
TRANSPORTATION / HOW TO GET AROUND IN FEBRUARY
Navigating Estes Park in February can be a bit challenging due to transportation limitations. Unfortunately, free shuttles in Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park aren’t operational during this month. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft very rarely operate in Estes Park no matter the season, and the Bustang bus service from Denver takes a winter break. Your best bet is to bring your own vehicle or utilize local ride services like Explore Estes, to get around the area. Explore Estes is a licensed transportation business that offers rides within Estes Park, ride services down the mountain (as far as Boulder), and rides to/from trailheads in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Click here to request a ride with Explore Estes.
Rental options are also very limited in town and include Up Top Automotive (limited vehicles) and Backbone Jeep Rentals (specializing in 4×4 rentals). The Turo App is another rental choice. Given unpredictable weather, consider an AWD or 4WD vehicle. If possible, equip your vehicle with winter or snow tires and carry tire chains as a last resort for 2WD vehicles. While roads are generally well-plowed, they can still become challenging. National Park roads receive less frequent plowing, so ensure you’re comfortable with winter driving skills before heading into the mountains.
Related: How to Get Around Estes Park Without a Vehicle
WEATHER IN FEBRUARY
February in Estes Park marks the end of winter and the approach of spring, making the weather highly unpredictable. With daily highs around 38°F (3°C) and nighttime lows dipping to an average of 17°F (-8°C), there are occassionally some drops below 0°F (-18°C). However, with spring on the horizon, some days can even reach 50°F (10°C) to bring a sense of relief. Wind speeds average around 18mph (29km/h), but gusts can exceed 80mph (129km/h) in surrounding areas, particularly in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
The average snowfall in Estes Park during February is 6.3 inches (16cm). But, despite the snow, there are still plenty of sunny days, and the snow on the roads tends to melt quickly with slightly warmer temperatures than January. However, February is the cloudiest month in Estes Park, with less sunshine than other times of the year. It’s not uncommon for Estes Park to experience sunshine while the National Park sees snowfall, or vice versa. Be prepared for cold weather with snow, and expect sunrise around 6:50AM and sunsets around 5:30PM throughout the month.
WHAT TO WEAR / PACK IN FEBRUARY
When it comes to dressing for February in Estes Park, layering with waterproof outer layers is key, especially if you’re hitting the trails. Begin with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a cozy fleece, and top it off with a waterproof or resistant outer layer. Be sure to wear wool socks and some waterproof boots to keep your feet dry. Leg gaiters come in handy for keeping snow out of your boots, while micro spikes are essential for icy hikes on popular trails. (Even navigating town can be treacherous, so consider using micro spikes when shopping in town.) For deep snow adventures, don’t forget snowshoes! Also, be sure to protect your face from the chilly wind with ski goggles and a neck gaiter if you’re hiking in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Related: What to Pack for Winter in Estes Park, Colorado
Here are some products we use & recommend:
THINGS TO DO IN FEBRUARY
Estes Park does not have any ski lifts in town or in the surrounding areas which is why our winter months are much quieter. In February, some shops and activities are closed throughout the winter season, but there are still many fun things to do in town. The Rocky Mountain National Park is the biggest draw of visiting Estes Park, Colorado in any season, but here’s our favorite activities to do in the month of February:
• Take a scenic drive or tour through the Rocky Mountain National Park
• Visit the Historic Stanley Hotel
• Take a snowshoe hike
• Go sledding
• Ice skate on an alpine lake
• Shop downtown on Elkhorn Avenue for souvenirs
• Go cross-country skiing
Related: Top 20 Things to Do in Winter in Estes Park, Colorado
We hope this overview was helpful for planning your visit to Estes Park, Colorado in February! Have you visisted Estes Park in February? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
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